Community Outreach Transit Team (COTT)

Bent Arrow outreach workers are trained to provide a person-centred and trauma-informed response to social challenges. Together, Transit Peace Officers and Bent Arrow outreach workers can deliver a coordinated response through a compassionate, trauma-informed, and human-centred lens. 

The City of Calgary has had a similar program for a few years. We regularly talk with our colleagues in other cities and reach out to them to learn more about their programs and results. We wanted to use best practices and felt this program could be piloted in Edmonton. 

COTT has since expanded to a full-time program with 7 teams who operate across the transit system 7 days a week. 

Security mechanisms and initiatives on transit, such as Transit Watch, Transit Peace Officers and other safety features (example: surveillance cameras, emergency phones and buttons, alert systems), are designed to help riders report unusual or unsafe behaviours. 

COTT was formed to provide outreach and support, and to help connect people to the social services and community resources they need. COTT uses a trauma-informed, compassionate approach to helping vulnerable Edmontonians rather than strict enforcement. 

Since starting as a pilot program in 2021, COTT has recorded thousands of engagements with vulnerable Edmontonians. Each year, COTT helps connect individuals with service referrals to community supports, including addictions support, child and family services, shelters, health services and the Navigation and Support Centre. 

COTT also provides essential supplies such as food and water, clothing, first-aid kits, naloxone kits, resource information and sanitary supplies. When required, COTT will also arrange transport for individuals to their homes, shelters or other safe spaces. 

If you notice an unsafe situation or recurring concern on transit, you can report it by calling or texting Transit Watch (780-442-4900). Support staff will assess the situation and deploy the appropriate resources. 

In the case of an emergency, always call 911. If you don't have access to a phone, blue emergency phones are located in all LRT stations, major bus terminals and in some city pedways.